STORAGE

Computer data volume has increased dramatically since the 1990s. This section of the PCTechGuide explains the technology behind the media that copes with the demands, and how it has fought - sometimes almost literally - to cope.

Hard Disks

The hard disk has to provide reliable storage for huge amounts of data, and provide fast access. The demands are huge, and here the technology to deal with it is explained. >>

CD-ROM

A leap forward in portable storage when they were introduced, learn how CDs work. >>

CD-R/CD-RW

The natural next step for CDs was for them to be writable. With dramatic implications for media applications, a new dimension was added to PCs at home and in industry. >>

DVD

After a shakey start, DVDs eventually raised the bar with writable, portable media. >>

Tape Storage

The stalwart staple of computer backup, tape storage has a story of development that has had to keep pace with rising demands. >>

Removable Storage

It's a basic problem with computing: moving data from one computer to another. The solutions have grown through a number of generations. >>